On To The Final Game

Back in October, before this season started, Connecticut and Butler were in nobody's minds as to whether or not they had a chance to be playing on April 4, 2011. That is because the answer was a no from everyone besides people in that school or fan base. Butler was still a small school in Indiana, up the road from Indianapolis, who had lost their best player, and was starting a guys that had most likely been shown no interest by the college basketball power conferences. Connecticut was a team full of freshman, couple sophomores, senior here and there that is not a major contributor, and Kemba Walker, who was a good player but not elite at this point in his career. Then the season started.

As Butler's season started they struggled, they lost to Louisville, Evansville, Duke, and Xavier before putting together a win streak. Then came more losses though, this time to Milwaukee, Wright State, and three in a row to Milwaukee, Valparaiso, and Youngstown State. They were 14-9, in a three game losing streak, no longer with Gordon Hayward, and definitely not looking towards Houston. Then they turned it around and are currently in the midst of a 14 game winning streak. Butler doing it all over again.

The Connecticut season began and followed a much different curve. They entered the season unranked, unheralded, and underappreciated. They went to Hawaii for the Maui Invitational at 2-0, but with two mediocre wins, and teams still were not fearing the Huskies. Then they proceeded to beat the now newly crowned NIT Champion Wichita State, then number two Michigan State, and destroy Kentucky while Kemba burst onto the scene averaging 30 points a game in the tournament. They rocketed up to number four in the rankings and knocked off 10 in a row. Unfortunately for them then came league play, and they lost their first Big East game of the year to Pittsburgh, and they would go on to go only 9-9 in the league. During that stretch though they continued to dominate the out of conference, beating the likes of Tennessee and Texas (at Texas), and remain in the top 15 for a good chunk of that slide during the Big East regular season. Then came the Big East tournament and they began the Kemba Walker show all over again, pulling off the unprecedented and unbelievable five wins in five nights.

The tournament has consisted of different runs for the two as well, Butler has had three games decided by three points or less of the five played, and all five have been by eight points or less. They won on last second shots, last second free throws, in overtime, and by just holding on. Butler has forced their way back, by just being a tough, rugged, never say die team. Connecticut has sort of started out big and come back close in a way, beginning the tournament on that high from the Big East Tournament and winning game one by 29 points, and game two by 11. The margins of victory have gotten smaller and smaller though, as game three they won by seven, their Elite Eight match up with Arizona by two, and then Saturday outlasting Kentucky by one.

Yes, the paths to get here have been completely different from the two teams that really do not share too many similarities, except they have each gone 5-0 thus far in the 2011 NCAA Tournament. Only one will be cutting down the nets in Houston, and either way, back in October people would have said you were nuts if you chose that team as the eventual National Champions.

Preview and Picking the Winner

The Difference For Connecticut Is The "Other Guys"

We know what happened the first time these two teams met back in November, Kemba Walker took over and the Connecticut Huskies blew Kentucky away from start to finish. Going into last night many believed it would be completely different, different teams, different game, maybe a different outcome. At halftime it seemed like it was going down the same road as Connecticut was up 10, but then again West Virginia was up eight at halftime against the Wildcats and they came out on fire to take control against the Mountaineers. Well the same thing happened last night, coming out red hot from behind the arc, and suddenly it was a different game and Kentucky did have the momentum. Then you know who, Kemba, made a big shot and got fouled on a three for free throws, and that is what changed the game.

The second half was a great half of basketball, as the two continued throughout to get hit, maybe stumble a little, and then come and hit right back. While the stars of this game performed, it was more about the role players that one this one tonight. Kemba and Brandon Knight each had 18 and 17 points respectively, Terrence Jones stepped up early and late while having a rough middle of the game but came away with 15 rebounds to go along with 11 points, and Jeremy Lamb again had 12 points despite his worst shooting effort of the tournament from three missing both attempts.

This game though was all about Kentucky having guys not show up, and Connecticut did. Though Doron Lamb stepped in to the lineup in the second half and provided a great lift, knocking down three shots from deep, the other factors they had become to rely on did not do what they needed. Josh Harrellson was in foul trouble and was only able to contribute six points and a measly four rebounds. DeAndre Liggins who was in some respects the hero against North Carolina went 1-7 from the field, and missed the late three point attempt for the lead with five seconds left. Lastly Darius Miller also only went 1-7 from the floor for four points, and was more of a detriment for the Wildcats. When only six of your players get eight or more minutes you can not have three of them struggle like this and expect to win.

For Connecticut they were able to have other players step up, like Roscoe Smith having six points and eight rebounds, including a huge baseline turnaround that came in a spot where they needed a bucket badly. Alex Oriakhi stepped up and 10 rebounds, one a huge dunk put back of a Shabazz Napier miss late in the second half. Charles Okwandu made a big block in the first half to ignite a run, and added in a couple of dunks with great cuts to the hoop. Lastly, Napier only had one basket, but that basket came with 2:28 left to put the Huskies up six on a beautiful reverse layup around two defenders. Though Napier then turned the ball over for Liggins to get that late shot that he missed, he then got that rebound and made both free throws to put Connecticut up four and seal the victory.

Now the Huskies role players made their mistakes, and guys like Harrellson and Liggins had their moments where they made a big bucket or a defensive stop. The overall impact by the two sides, and the reason they got the win, was because as a complete package it was Connecticut's "other guys" that came through when was necessary, and the is why they are 40 minutes away from being the last team standing.

The Meeting Of The Big Boys

A lot of the talk this week has been in regards to the fact that two mid-majors have made it to the Final Four, little Butler has made it to its second straight, and VCU has laughed at all the naysayers in defeating five of the six power conferences. Then there has been a little talk of Kentucky and Connecticut meeting in the night cap. The two met back in Maui, or as it should now be known as the Kemba Walker coming-out-party invitational (KWCOPI if you will), when Connecticut was up 21 at the half, and won by double-digits. The game that day in Hawaii was not close, but both of these teams are not even close to where they were then, they have grown by leaps and bounds the both of them. The only thing that is the same, well still better, is Walker and his play.

For Kentucky to win this game they need a few things to happen, first off they need Brandon Knight to not necessarily cancel out Kemba, but hold his own. That does not mean he has to score a lot of points, but he has to make Kemba work on defense, not give him open looks when Connecticut is on offense, and he has to knock down a few shots. They need to make a decision, whether they are going to let Kemba get his and try and shut everyone else down, or if they are going to take Kemba away, or at least try to. If they decide to shut down Jeremy Lamb this might be their best bet, because when talking Lamb away then you are taking away easily the second best player the second half of this year. Lamb is killing teams this post season, and if he is taken away then Connecticut will be relying on less proven commodities. They need Terrence Jones to really step up and demand that basketball. He is a force to reckon with, and can score from anywhere, they need to get him aggressive and looking to win this game. If Jones gets going then Kentucky becomes an extremely tough team to stop.

Connecticut has to make sure they do one thing, keep Kemba and Lamb going. If the two of them continue on their pace then they should be just fine, because those two can put up 50 points between them easily. Their team defense has to be strong, but not foul. They can have great team defense, but then towards the end of a shot clock they will foul, or they will foul in the middle of team slides, and it ruins their depth and aggressiveness. They need to make sure they rebound the ball, because they should be able to control the boards with their athletes and the type of active players that they have, including Kemba being one of the better rebounding guards in the nation. They should win the boards, and that should go a long way in this game.

This game should be great, with both Knight and Kemba able to go back and forth at one another. Lamb should be able to control the baseline on offense, and give a guy like DeAndre Liggins fits with the constant movement and screens. Jones has to demand the ball, but the Wildcats also have to realize they need to give him the ball. It should be tight throughout, with Kentucky able to take control midway through the second half with some hot shooting from the perimeter. Kemba is just too much though, and he refuses to lose. He comes up huge in a late run and the Huskies continue their romp through the end of the season, and make a date for Monday night with perhaps Cinderella.

Connecticut 79 Kentucky 74

Is Chicago The Team To Beat In The East?

On this last day of March the playoff picture is becoming clearer and clearer in the NBA, and that number one seed is becoming closer and closer to belonging to the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference. Last night the Bulls were able to knock of Minnesota in Minnesota, and through 74 games they now have 54 wins and a two and a half game lead on both Miami and Boston. They are in line for that top spot, and a road to the conference finals that would not include either the Heat or Celtics.

So they now have their full team back and playing and they are finding themselves on the up and up, as they have passed both those teams ahead of them since Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer have returned from seperate injury spells. They also have the expected league MVP in Derrick Rose, who is playing at an elite level. The thing about Rose is that he has that jump shot now that is not only good enough to keep the defense honest, but at this point it has become pretty much automatic from 19 feet and in. To go along with his ability to almost never be stopped when trying to get to the rim, and to find the open teammate, he has become almost unstoppable.

Noah and Boozer are able to go up against any front line in the league, but they also have Taj Gibson and Omar Asik coming off the bench who can out-rebound many starting lineups. The Bulls key is their bench's ability to come in and outscore a lot of other team's benches, as well as their starters at times if necessary.

The team defense is the reason that they are winning all these games though, because while the offense that Rose and Luol Deng provide, they are winning on the defensive end. Look no further than Tom Thibodeau, the defensive mind behind the previous Celtics teams, and you see why the Bulls are able to play defense so well. Their defense and home record are what should scare the other teams, especially with that top spot and home court throughout the east. Their record at home is a staggering at 32-5 with winnable home games to come that will improve that record.

At this point the Bulls have to be the favorite to win the east when they receive the number one seed. They are incredibly tough at home, they have the MVP of the league in Rose, and second and third scorer in Deng and Boozer, they play great team defense, maybe the best in the league, have a coach that knows how to win, and a bench that is among the most productive in the league. This team is for real, and if they do not blow the final eight games they will have to be the favorites.

Time For Selections Sure To Go Wrong

Opening Day is tomorrow, getting kicked off by the New York Yankees heading home to play the Detroit Tigers, the two played their final spring training games yesterday with the Yankees winning 2-1 with an home run to break the tie in the bottom of the eighth inning. So with Opening Day comes the idea of this is where it all begins, the jumping off point to the playoff races, then the playoffs themselves, and eventually the World Series. The jumping off point is great, and it comes with everyone making their predictions that are sure to not be right at all for many, but that being said here come the predictions.

East Winners:

In the National League this is the biggest layup of them all, despite injury concerns leaving spring training the Philadelphia Phillies are clear and away the favorite in the NL East. The thing about them is that their pitchers are going to have their off days, but they could still win those off days because of their lineup. They have a lineup that can play with almost any team in the majors, especially when healthy, and to have maybe the two best pitchers in the league in Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee going one, two they are the easy pick here. The only thing that could get them is of course the injury bug, but also losing a guy like Jayson Werth, as well as the fact that both Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels have proven to be inconsistent at times in their careers. The inclusion of Hamels as an ace at this point tends to be odd at this point, but he has shown flashes.

The American League will again come down to the two powers in Boston and New York. Boston made themselves much better than last year's team in the offseason, but that does not always mean they will gel together and become this force that can not be stopped. The Yankees are still the team to beat here however because they have that bonafide ace in C.C. Sabathia that they can count on game in and game out. Their pitching has the same question marks as the Red Sox, and though they added guys like Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford, the Yankees lineup as a whole is still better. The bullpens are not even close, as New York dominates in that department, and more and more games tend to be won there lately. New York will outlast the Red Sox during the regular season for the east crown.

Central Winners:

The AL Central division is always one that is fun to watch, their seems to be a dark horse each year, and there are sometimes not two horses in the race, but three that really push each other. The team who took the central last year is just too murky right now in the Minnesota Twins. Francisco Liriano was a stud last year, and he had shown signs of greatness years back, but his injury concerns are something that cannot be overlooked, and injuries are really what concern the Twins as a whole. The M&M boys in Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau seem to be getting banged up more frequently, Morneau really still shook up from the concussion he suffered, just too iffy to choose. Same goes for Detroit because the player they depend on the most is coming into the season with this huge issue of probably being an alcoholic hovering over his head. Miguel Cabrera had his issues with the law in the offseason and now has that much more pressure to push aside to produce. The team that is going to come away with this division is led by Ozzie Guillen and has done the most to make themselves better. The Chicago White Sox made a huge jump in getting that one guy, Adam Dunn, a player that is going to do wonders to their lineup and in the clubhouse. With his bat being added to the team already there, and a rotation led by Mark Buerhle, the White Sox are the team to beat.

The NL Central is a tough call with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers, made tough mostly because of a single injury that demoted the Cardinals to an extent. If Adam Wainwright was healthy there would be no debate here, because his presence on that rotation would be invaluable for this season. Injury however closes the gap between the two, but not enough, as the Cardinals will be able to outlast the Brewers thanks to Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday in the middle of their lineup. Expect both of those players to have great seasons and hit the Cardinals to the division title. I will say though, the Cubs could make things interesting if Carlos Zambrano can make a comeback this year.

West Winners:

The NL West is another slam dunk because though the Dodgers have the players to make a push towards the top of the division, the pitching that the San Francisco Giants have is too tough to match. It took them to the World Series where they won it all, and it will be enough for them to take the division again this year. They were also able to add some depth in the offseason Miquel Tejada, who has a bat that can help them win those games the pitching does not come through. The Rockies could be a dark horse if their young talent matures quickly.

In the AL West it is hard to call because while Texas could be really good again despite losing Cliff Lee and Vladimir Guerrero, it is hard to tell what their team will be without those two. They have talent, but some of those guys that they will be depending on have a history of being injured, and it is hard to know what their young guys who stepped up last year will be able to do. The thing is, there are too many questions surrounding all of the teams out west, and it is as if the Rangers might just win by default. They do have the best talent, and Ron Washington is a manager that cannot be overlooked, he led them to the World Series last year, and I think he will lead them to the west title.

Knicks Win The Sorta/Kinda Must Win

The New York Knicks went into last night's game with the Orlando Magic and were reeling, there is no denying that fact. They had lost six straight games, nine out of 10, and were in danger of falling below that seventh spot in the Eastern Conference playoff standings. The blame was being tossed around everywhere, it was Carmelo Anthony's fault because he was supposed to make the difference in New York. It was coach Mike D'Antoni's fault because he was not doing his job to make this click, make this team perform like their talent is capable. Chauncey Billups is at fault because while he was injured the team was 4-2, but with Billups on the court they were 3-10 going into last night. The blame deserves to be thrown onto Donnie Walsh for making the deal, and so late in the season, because the chemistry and timing is just off. The blame has seemingly been taken by a person, who is spinning with their eyes closed, then throwing it, only to have it splatter everywhere and have a little over there, a bit over here.

So in come the Orlando Magic, fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, and suddenly the Knicks have to win this game, it has become that important that they must win. Carmelo said so himself when asked about the game by the media, he was not afraid to convey the importance he believed the game had. So in this must win game for the Knicks how did they come out, how did Carmelo come out and perform to show everyone that with the pressure on, pressure perhaps a little self inflicted, how would they perform at Madison Square Garden?

They came out a little flat really, only scoring 18 points in the first quarter, but they were able to hold Orlando to the same total so being tied after the first was a good start. They were able to pull away a little bit in the second quarter taking a four point lead into halftime. As the second half wore on, and Carmelo was able to dominate the game, finishing with a game high 39 points, and the game actually became a must win situation in terms of where the game was at the end.

The Knicks were up three points with 10 seconds left at home. Given that situation you assume as a Knicks fan that you are going to, and should win. Well Jason Richardson hit a three pointer, and Carmelo was able to beat the double team and get a shot off, only to miss that and the follow up attempt to force overtime. In overtime Dwight Howard got his 18th technical, fouled him out, adding to the list of Magic not playing. Coming into the game Jameer Nelson and Quentin Richardson did not play due to injury, so adding Howard to the list the game becomes that much more of a must win.

Then on top of that Hedo Turkoglu fouled out and the Knicks needed to win this game. Behind Carmelo's double double, and some late free throws, they were able to pull away for the 113-106 victory. The game was never a must-win, more of win that was needed for morale. The Knicks are going to be fine, they are still a team you would rather not have to see in the playoffs. You have guys in Carmelo, Billups and Amare Stoudemire that could each take over a one game in a series and get their team a win. That is not something you want to mess with, and teams would prefer to see in a different match up than their own.

The Final Four is Set

It would seem that after everyday of basketball in this tournament the prevailing thought is that the next day's action will not be able to compare, it will be less entertaining. Wrong again. Following the thrilling Butler comeback overtime win, and the exciting game of runs that found Connecticut holding off a similar Arizona comeback attempt you had to think that Sunday's games could not live up to it. In steps VCU and their unbelievable run again.

The prevailing thought going through my head yesterday when VCU was winning, building an 17 point first half lead, was that this was not supposed to happen to just VCU, we were not supposed to see any team do this, power conference or not. The talking heads are always saying we are talking about bubble teams, the last four teams in, the teams that are "not going to win the tournament." Kind of makes you laugh that these things are being said, and yet VCU now finds itself in the Final Four with wins over the Pac 10, Big East, Big 10, ACC, and now Big 12. It really is amazing.

Yesterday's game was all about the fight that VCU had, coming from the top with coach Shaka Smart, all the way down to the graduate assistants. You could tell from the tip that they were not intimidated, they believed in each other and their coach, and expected to be going to the Final Four. The difference in this game, the three point shooting, VCU had it and Kansas did not. While VCU went 12-25 from three, Kansas went an embarrassing, and Final Four berth costing, 2-21. A total of 36 points from beyond the arc to six, though as Kenny Smith said at halftime when the lead was 14 and VCU had nine threes, if those are twos they are still up five. Without that three disparity the Rams would still have had a tie game. Kansas was outhustled, outshot, and outcoached with the mix up of defenses and strategies that Smart used throughout the game.

In the match up of college bluebloods Kentucky was able to control the game from start to finish. Whenever North Carolina would make a three, convert on a dunk, go on a mini run of their own, Kentucky would make a three, it was almost a given. That could be seen with 37 seconds left when DeAndre Liggins made yet another dream killing three pointer from the corner to put Kentucky up four. They went 12-22 from behind the line for the game, while North Carolina was an awful 3-16.

It was seen when Harrison Barnes went on an 8-0 run of this own, seemingly seizing the moment and ready to step up to be that guy and erase this 11 point deficit and get North Carolina back to the Final Four. Then Kentucky dug in, and squashed the Tar Heels hopes. All five starters were able to score in double digits for the Wildcats, but they were led again by Brandon Knight. Knight has taken this team over in the tournament, showing his growth and maturity he gained throughout the season. He is really on an incredible run, and yesterday he had a game high 22 points, keeping his push for tournament most outstanding player alive.

The balance that Kentucky had, was not seen by the Tar Heels as Tyler Zeller was able to continue his great play, having a team high 21 points and nine rebounds, but aside from Barnes trying to take over in the second half it seemed to be a one man army. While Kentucky had all five starters in double figures, North Carolina saw 39 of the 69 come from those two players. John Henson got into foul trouble, much like Derrick Williams in the Arizona and Connecticut game, and was totally taken out of the game. Playing only 23 minutes, many of those worried about the next foul, he was only able to score four points before fouling out. The Tar Heels needed his size and athleticism and were hurting without it.

At the buzzer Kentucky had seized the opportunity in front of them and have set up a date with Connecticut on Saturday in Houston, another game between teams that have a history of winning. The winner will be expected to be a heavy favorite come Monday night's match up.

Well the Big East Got One In

Through all the bashing and all the mocking the Big East was able to beat out the Big 10, Pac 10, either the ACC or SEC based on today's outcome, and maybe even the Big 12 in terms of Final Four teams. Connecticut was able to raise the Big East flag and are on their way to the Houston. They did so in a game of runs, that saw Connecticut pull away enough towards the end to hold on for the victory, and continue their incredible run. A testament to the Big East is that Connecticut went 9-9 during regular season play, while going undefeated against out of conference opponents, and that continued again last night. They have also not lost in a tournament setting, as they improved that record to 12-0.

Kemba Walker continued his superb play, hitting big shot after big shot down the stretch for the Huskies, and Jeremy Lamb is establishing himself as a preseason first time pick in next year's Big East. Derrick Williams got into foul trouble early and this put the Wildcats in a hole, trailing by seven at the half. In the second half Williams flexed his muscles, drawing a number of fouls that got players like Alex Oriakhi in foul trouble of his own and Arizona pulled back into it, taking a lead at one point. Connecticut and Kemba were too much though. and once again Jim Calhoun finds himself in the Final Four out of the west region.

What would you have called me if in November of 2009 I said that Butler would be in two straight Final Fours? You would have called me nuts, but here we go again, Butler is going to Houston, and Brad Stevens could almost name the college that he wants to coach at and the school would consider making a coaching change on a whim. They have been able to avoid the potential 9-8 upset special in the first round (or round two if you will), then continue to defeat regular season Big East champions Pittsburgh, Big 10 juggernaut Wisconsin, and regular season SEC champions Florida. No big deal right?

They did it as they always do, great defense and getting the other team to play their style of basketball. They really were able to shut Florida down, with the exception of Vernon Macklin who was kind enough to get into foul trouble for the Bulldogs. Shelvin Mack hit big shot here, big shot there. Matt Howard got a huge rebound on this play, loose ball or charge call the next play. They had role players step up in Shawn Vanzant. Now they even have freshman coming in and getting three pointers like Chrishawn Hopkins, and huge three point plays and 10 points like Khyle Marshall. Butler is the epitome of a team, and a team that will not give up, as they found themselves down 51-40, and then what do ya know Brad Stevens pushes all the right buttons and they find themselves back on their way to the Final Four. Chrishawn Hopkins? Really? That was the card he played, seemingly out of nowhere, and IT WORKED.

Connecticut is heading to Houston because of Kemba Walker being the best player in college basketball, Jeremy Lamb growing and emerging, and Jim Calhoun being a great coach who knows how to win tournaments. Butler is on their way because Brad Stevens is a great coach and certainly knows how to win tournament games, they have college stars in Mack and Howard, and they are getting supporting cast members to play their roles, and exceed them at times. Two similar strategies, a different hierarchy at this point, but both going to Houston for the Final Four.

Down Goes Goliath

The king has been slain. That might be more conducive to last night's game simply because you are never going to put Kentucky into the role of David. The number one team has gone down though, and it was in dramatic, thrilling action, to cap off a close and really great game. Throughout the second half, most of it really, the game was played within five to six points, with a long stretch where the lead was just changing from possession to possession. This was a game that people wanted to see, were waiting to see, and they got what they came for.

With all the talk of the Kentucky freshman, it was the upperclassmen who got them this win. Josh Harrellson came up bigger than many expected, again. DeAndre Liggins was the one to take the ball in much of the late stages and make plays. The freshman made their plays mind you, including a huge three from Doron Lamb in the corner to give them back the lead 44-42, as well as Terrence Jones hitting a big three with about seven minutes left to give the Wildcats a 50-49 lead. Then there was that whole Brandon Knight, with ice water in his veins again, hitting the game winner on the pull up with five seconds left after Ohio State senior Jon Diebler hit a dagger to tie the game at 60. Remember when people were down on him because he was not what John Wall was? Yeah, a little too quick to judge.

This game was about a team effort from the Wildcats, with Harrellson doing a lot of damage in the first half, Liggins in the second half, with freshman contributions sprinkled in between, before Knight does what he has done all tournament, what Kentucky has needed to win.

Ohio St. had some problems as well. William Buford picked a bad time to have his worst game of the season, going just 2-16 and failing to reach double figures. Diebler finished well overall, but was almost nonexistent for much of the first half and early second half. David Lighty had spurts, but missed some shots he usually makes, and Sullinger found himself with more opposition than was expected. Sullinger ended up with a great stat line, and was able to get big put backs and dunks in the second half, but was not able to take over, especially down 58-57 at the end of the game, when they needed him to.

This was a game where Ohio St. did not play particularly well, but a lot of that credit has to go to Kentucky. They played as a team, and had numerous players step up when it was necessary. That team won the game, and that team is now one game away from a trip to the Final Four. Something that those freshman last year were unable to do.

Supporting Casts Carve Way Into Elite Eight

The talk going into last night's games was all about the stars. The Jimmers, the Kembas, the Smiths, Irvings, and Taylors. Some of them stepped up big, tried to put their teams on their backs. Last night proved however, that this tournament is all about the team game. The victorious teams, all got big games from a number two, they were not all about that one guy winning them the game.

The first game of the night was a good one, with the Huskies of Connecticut taking out the Mountain West tournament champion, and number two seed, San Diego State Aztecs. While the game was absolutely taken over by Kemba Walker in the second half, this game was not won by just Kemba alone. Freshman Jeremy Lamb, who has grown by leaps and bounds throughout the entire season, went a cool 9-11 from the field, hit all three of his three point attempts, and chipped in 24 of his own. Lamb also had a huge steal as San Diego St. was trying to make a final spurt, when he showed his quickness and athleticism to leap in the air and snatch the ball, ending the spectacular play with a dunk to seal the win.

In the other early game it was all about the Jimmer, and that was what was the end for BYU. Jimmer got his points, 32 of them, but only shot 11 of 32 from the floor to do it. His outside shot was not falling, and he just could not seem to get a rhythm. Problem was the rest of his team played okay, not great, not necessarily bad, just okay. Florida on the other hand had a number of players step up, their star player Chandler Parsons played well and ended up with 16 points for the Gators. It was the emergence of a guy form the supporting cast though that stole the show, and eventually won them the game though. Alex Tyus used Thursday night to step up and shine, more than doubling his season averages, scoring a team high 19 points, and ripping down a game high 17 rebounds. Where Florida had help from everyone on the team, BYU proved to me, at least for one night, what the naysayers thought, a one man show for the most part.

In Anaheim Arizona found itself down six points at the half, and treading water early in the second. Then all of a sudden an explosion, a 19-2 run that was the ultimate early kill shot, as Duke never got back to within single digits. Derrick Williams gave Kemba a run for his money for player of the night, and in my mind won that battle, as he did absolutely everything for the Wildcats. He had 32 points, 25 in the first half, 13 rebounds, a number of absolutely incredible dunks, and oh yeah he went five of six from behind the arc in the first half to keep the game close at half. Look no further than his teammates for the reason for the win though, because once they all got going in the second half, that is when the wheels fell off for Duke, they could not handle it. Lamont "Mo Mo" Jones was the difference maker though, scoring 16 points on six of 10 shooting, and dishing out a game high six assists. The balance of the Wildcats, compared to Kyrie Irving having 28 points and Nolan Smith having only eight as the ACC player of the year, is what won out in the end.

The final game of the night was the Butler Bulldogs being the Butler Bulldogs, playing a team game. They played the Brad Stevens lock down defense, and then got the scoring from here, there, and everywhere. The argument for Butler is who is the team leader, Shelvin Mack or Matt Howard. Well Howard was able to step up last night and score 20 points while bringing in 12 rebounds against a big and physical Wisconsin front line. Wisconsin was plagued by the fact that their number two, Jon Leuer only managed to score three points, missing 11 of his 12 shots. The lack of balance, versus the epitome of a team, was the difference in the slowed down battle.

There were magical games last night, Jimmer still was a great watch to get his 32. Kemba continued his amazing run and scored 36 points in a flash it seemed. Derrick Williams had some of the best plays of the tournament in just last night's game. Tyus exceeded his season averages by double in both points and rebounds, and Howard dominated a Big 10 front line. In the end though, it was the team game that punched four tickets into the Elite Eight on Saturday.

Syracuse Visits Marquette, Both Teams Needing A Win

The last three games for the Syracuse Orange, after starting the year 18-0 and getting to a ranking of third in the nation, have been in a word gross. In a game at Pittsburgh, where a loss is nothing to be ashamed of, they fell behind early and could not fully come back, losing without their leading scorer Kris Joseph. Not so bad. At home though in their next game against Villanova, with Joseph in the lineup, another loss by double-digits, where they could not get the stops when they needed to. Finally, the embarrassing loss, again at the Carrier Dome, to unranked and previously struggling Seton Hall...by 22. Allowing 90 points to a team ranking 14 out of 16 in points per game in the Big East.

Marquette hosts the Orange having lost their last two games, and four of their last six overall, with all of their losses being to teams ranked in the top 20 however. They are a team that even in late January are in the position where they are setting up to be on the bubble. They have come up short in some opportunities to get a signature win for that tournament push, but a win over Syracuse would be one of those wins. This might not be a better time, being at home and the Orange skidding.

Both of these teams need the win, so who is going to get it and how? Well both teams have their keys to winning, and for Syracuse it starts with their zone and defensive output, like usual. They need to get out on the Marquette shooters, who are deadly when they get an open look. With Darius Johnson-Odom being the Golden Eagle's most dangerous outside shooter, they have Jae Crowder and Dwight Buycks who are both shooting it at over 40% from outside. Villanova and Seton Hall both showed that no matter what, if you are shooting it well from the outside Syracuse can be beaten. Both teams shooting over 70% from three in the first half against Syracuse and leading the game by double-digits at halftime.

Secondly, for Marquette to win they have to get Jimmy Butler the ball around the foul line. If they are able to get the ball there they will find passing lanes in the zone that Pittsburgh was able to really exploit. Butler is also a player that really reminds me of Dante Cunningham from Villanova a couple of years ago. When Villanova got him the ball at that foul line Syracuse was seemingly unable to do anything. Butler is a player in that mold, extremely solid from 17 feet and in.

For Syracuse to win they need to force turnovers, and get into transition. It is the same thing each game, get that ball into the open court and use your athletes. The past couple of games they have really struggled in the half court, and the more aggressive they are, and more turnovers they force, the better chance Syracuse has at easy points and getting out of a really tough environment with a win.

Secondly, the hook for the guards has to be quick. These past couple games Scoop Jardine has just not been playing well. Many people have a short fuse with Scoop, and I think it is a bit unfair, but these last two he has just not seemed to do much right. He is in a slump, so if he is having some trouble early, get him a break, a chance to see whats going on out there. Same with Brandon Triche and Dion Waiters when they take ill advised shots, or dribble into the double teams. They have to be aggressive, but play smarter on the offensive end.

Finally, Marquette does not have a big man that should be able to guard Rick Jackson. They really need to feed it to Jackson, especially given the struggles that the half court offense has been having. Against Villanova Jackson had a rough day with some turnovers, losing a couple of entry passes, and missing a dunk. You still have to get him the ball, and with the lack of size and depth at Marquette you have to let him go to work. It will also open up shots when the double teams inevitably come.

Marquette has the shooters to hurt the zone over the top, and the friendly confines at home will be a big help. Syracuse has to get back to the basics of their zone defense, that is what got them early wins, and what made them so special last year. Take advantage of the spots on the floor that they have the edge and they should come out with a win.

Prediction: Syracuse 74 Marquette 70

All-Star Starters Announced

The NBA All-Star game starters were announced last night, and I suppose a little controversy, for lack of a better term, but overall a not bad job. The teams both have necessary MVP candidates starting, the stars will be leading both teams, and for the most part the fans did a good job. The starters are as follows:

Eastern Conference:

Derrick Rose- He has led the Bulls to a record of 31-14, currently tied for second in the East, and has done most of it without having his full team due to injuries. He has proven himself virtually unguardable, and is one of the leaders right now for NBA MVP halfway through the season. He is averaging over 24 points, eight assists, and one steal per game. Definitely worthy of a start.

Dwayne Wade- Wade has been a major part of the success of the trio in Miami, and a leading reason for their being tied with Chicago for second in the East. He is averaging more than 25 points a game, to go along with more than six rebounds and four assists a game. He is also an MVP candidate, and definitely worthy of a start.

LeBron James- Along with the first two LeBron is among the short list for MVP candidates at this point in the season. He has once again shown the ability to take over games, we see where the Cleveland Cavaliers are without him, and the Heat are winning games. He is averaging over 25 points a game, to go along with more than seven rebounds and assists per game, and nearly a steal and a half per game. Definitely worthy of a start.

Amare Stoudemire- Amare has been able to do to the New York Knicks what many thought he could not given their roster, get the Knicks above .500 and back into the playoffs. He has done just that. With averaging 26 points a night, to go along with his nine rebounds and 2.2 blocks a game, Amare has made the Knicks a relevant team again, coming off of a win just last night against the Heat. He also had the longest streak since Kobe in 2005-2006 of consecutive 30 point games. Definitely worthy of a start.

Dwight Howard- The big man once again has the Orlando Magic among the league's elite, and he once again might be the most feared big man in the league. He is averaging a double-double with 22 points per game, and over 13 rebounds and two blocks a game. He is the enforcer down low, and he continues to be one of, if not the, best centers in the league. Definitely worthy of a start.

The Eastern Conference all have starters that are worthy, and you would be hard pressed to find better options for each player at their position within the conference. The fans did a good job with that side of the slate. Four of the five are hands down MVP candidates, with Howard having the ability to put himself into the conversation. In the basketball page we will look at whether or not the Western Conference fans got everything done right.

Big East Flexing Its Muscles, Again

So Pittsburgh came into Monday's home game newly ranked number two in the country, with some saying they are the best team, with an impressive one week ago over then undefeated number three Syracuse, and their first ever 30 point Big East road win just two days ago. So last night in come's number 14 Notre Dame, and they break their 20 game home winning streak, and only the Panthers second loss in 53 home games, with a 56-51 win.

Just another flexing of the muscles of the depth and talent in the Big East. Just in this last month Notre Dame, West Virginia, Villanova, Connecticut have all beaten top 10 teams, two of which not from the Big East. The Big East of course won many of the preseason tournaments, and they have had four teams in the top 10 for the better part of the year, but this was just another example.

Maybe the best team in the nation, with an amazing winning streak at home, and in walks Notre Dame and wins, in a way that was as impressive as the win itself. A slow down style, keeping the game close at all times, until they made their push in the second half and got a lead they would not give back. Ben Hansbrough showing the ability to take over a game and score possession after possession to will his team to a win. A win without their leading scorer Tim Abromaitis taking one shot. Not one. His only points were two shots from the free throw line. Just another Big East time showing their ability to beat the best.

Currently in Joe Lunardi's Bracketology he has 11 Big East teams in the bracket. Why not, if they are all beating one another like this all year they have to get the credit they deserve. Put Marquette and St. John's in the ACC this year and see how many conference wins they ended up with.

Steelers To The Super Bowl, Sounds Familiar

The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading back to the Super Bowl, and this time they are tying the Dallas Cowboys for the most trips ever with eight. Smart money would say pick the Steelers if you are looking for a straight winner, as they are 6-1 in the previous seven that they were in. They were able to do it with a dominating first half, and key plays in the second half to hold off a comeback attempt by the loud mouth New York Jets.

It all started with the running game for the Steelers, they were able to give it to Rashard Mendenhall in that first half and he ran all over the Jets, seemingly breaking a couple of tackles on each nimble run. He was slowed in the second half a bit, but as still able to end with 121 yards on his 27 carries. He was able to punch the Jets in the mouth, one that took the whole first half for them to recover from. The opening drive that the Steelers scored on was nine minutes long.

The defense was also deadly in the first half, forcing the Jets into multiple three and outs, and the Jets did not get a first down until their final drive of the first half that led to a field goal and some much needed momentum. Previous to that drive however, Sanchez was sacked and fumbled, and the ball was picked up and run in for a touchdown by William Gay, making it 24-0 Steelers.

The second half was a different story, especially on the offensive side of the ball for the Steelers. Mendenhall only had 26 of his yards after halftime, and the Steelers failed to score any more points. The defense had their struggles too, as they gave up a deep touchdown score to Santonio Holmes, and were unable to stop the Jets as they had in the first two quarters.

You have to give the Jets, and particularly Mark Sanchez, credit because they did not give up when it was 24-0 nothing and the Steelers seemed unbeatable. They plugged away though, and injuries to the Steelers (most notably Pouncey at center) lent a hand to their storming back.

The Steelers defense won the game though when they were able to shut the Jets down with a goaline stand and the Jets did not score after that, besides a safety on a botched quarterback-center exchange.

The Steelers were able to win the game though by trusting in Ben Roethlisberger. They put the ball in the hands of the man that has led them to two previous Super Bowls, that they then won, and said on third down you throw the ball for the win. Which if they do not complete suddenly the Jets have new life. But Ben completed the pass and then with a few kneel downs the Steelers are back in the Super Bowl.

They were able to win with a team effort, offense, defense, special teams all stepped up when they needed to. That is what should be anticipated in the Super Bowl too, because that is how Mike Tomlin will always have them playing.

Jets At Steelers, Who Ya Got

All week The Four Corners of Sports has been dissecting every aspect of these playoff teams, ranking their quarterbacks, running backs, receiving games, defense and special teams. All to get to the point of who is the most well rounded team,who will win on Sunday and find themselves in the Super Bowl.

In the AFC the Steelers are the favorite,but the underdog Jets have already beaten the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots in these playoffs, not to mention the Steelers themselves back in week 15. So how will today's game be different? How will the Steelers remedy what they could not do against the Jets roughly a month ago? Or will the Jets continue this amazing streak of upsets and find themselves in only their second Super Bowl ever?

In order for the Steelers to win they will need to run the ball effectively. All week the talk has been about how Rex Ryan and the Jets defense is going to attack Ben Roethlisberger. While all the focus is on that, Rashard Mendenhall should be licking his chops at this opportunity. If he can neutralize the Jets defense, and open up the great Steelers play action,then they will be able to move the ball and get into positions to score. Roethlisberger will get his yards and make his plays, he has not won two Super Bowls by chance, and Mendenhall can make that easier for all of them with a good day on the ground and slowing down the Jets defense.

They also need to stop the Jets running attack. In the previous match up the Jets ran for over 100 yards against the Steelers. You do not do that to this team, who averaged giving up only 62 rushing yards a game all year. Having all everything safety Troy Polamalu back can not be talked about enough, as he is a one man wrecking crew in that run game. If they can stop the run, like they have, then all of a sudden Mark Sanchez is getting more responsibility and pressure on him.

The Jets have to make sure that they do not abandon that run game for Sanchez. They need the balance, and controlling the tempo is a big advantage that they have had these playoffs. In the second half of the Colts game they were able to put together two long drives that limited the Colts and Peyton Manning's chances. It will be on the offensive line, one of the better groups in the league, to make this win happen for the Jets. If they are able to pick up those Dick LeBeau blitzes and give Sanchez time to find his talented receiving corp, then they should be doing alright come fourth quarter where anything can happen.

On defense it all comes down to Antonio Cromartie. Last week he was able to talk the talk and then walk the walk, this week it becomes that much more necessary. With Revis being under the assumption that he will more than likely shut down his match up (by a lot of uncalled holds, grabs, and illegal use of hands in general), Cromartie will have to step up and play big against either Hines Ward or Mike Wallace. If Roethlisberger is able to focus in on that match up and have an advantage, then the Jets are in trouble. They need Cromartie to force throws towards Revis, and towards those other Steelers receivers.

In the end the Steelers do have the better overall team, but the Jets do have that momentum. With a leg up in the coaching battle with Mike Tomlin, the Steelers will have a better scheme for this game after week 15. Polamalu makes a huge difference, and the Steelers find themselves back in the Super Bowl.Steelers 24 Jets 17

Syracuse Versus Villanova, Not Enough Publicity

Last year when ESPN Gameday came to the Carrier Dome for the Syracuse and Villanova game the fans packed it full and set an on-campus record for largest crowd for a basketball game with 34,616. That game was set as the must see of the Big East schedule, and Syracuse came out and demolished the Wildcats. They could not be stopped and ended up running away with it 95-77. Yes 95. It was the true coming out party, and made everyone say that yes, Syracuse is for real.This year the match up is not quite as large, simply because Syracuse just took part in a game of that nature in their narrow loss to Pittsburgh on Monday night. However, the lack of publicity is alarming because these are still two top 10 teams, and probably going to be earning a three seed at the lowest if they continue the way they have started the season. Further to that point, how big would this game be if both teams had won on Monday? The two of them lost to two top 10 teams, respectable losses for sure with both being on the road as well, so this is still a huge top 10 match up between the two. Let's give it the recognition it deserves.

Now if Syracuse has Kris Joseph back that will help them a lot in their hopes of winning today and getting back on track. Other than that there are a few keys for victory. They have to feed it down low to Rick Jackson. They simply did not do that enough against Pittsburgh, where to start the second half he was unstoppable, and they seemingly went away from it. If they can get it to Jackson and he can get Villanova big man Mouphtaou Yarou in foul trouble it will really help the Orange control the paint and the boards.

They have to make sure that they play aggressive defense, because when the zone is active and aggressive they force that many more tough shots, and get run outs and into transition off of turnovers where they are one of the most dangerous teams in the country. They also have to have Jim Boeheim not be slow with the trigger in putting Jackson in the middle of the zone and going smaller, but quicker and more athletic, and making the zone a lot more solid down low.

Finally, they have to not take bad shots. The defense of Villanova will be aggressive and in their faces, they have to not rush on the offensive end. If Syracuse is able to take good shots and find the open man, then they will be able to score the ball regularly and rely on the zone for the win. Syracuse has the better team, and their defense should be able to contain Villanova, who lost their best player against the zone from last year Scottie Reynolds to graduation.

For Villanova to win they have to shoot the ball well. They are deadly from outside, and if they are able to get Corey Fisher going, or Corey Stokes, then they will be able to shoot over the top of the zone and make it difficult for Syracuse to cut off those passing angles into the nooks and crannies of the zone.

They need Antonio Pena to really step up and play big. If you were to assume that Yarou and Jackson could play themselves to a stand still on the boards, give Jackson a slight edge, then Pena has to come in and really help on the glass. He also has to be that guy at the foul line that is so vital to the zone. If he is able to make the right passes from that spot, and turn around and hit a 14-17 foot jumper, then they will be able to again attack the zone in a much more aggressive fashion than most.

Finally, the before mentioned Stokes has to find open shots, and get up transition threes. As possibly the league's most deadly shooter, currently just below 44% from behind the arc, they rely on him to get open and hit big shots. His transition threes have been killers over the years for opposing teams, and a few of those before the zone sets up is how they will be able to pull off the upset at a raucous dome.

I think Jackson is too much down low, and the zone is able to get out on the shooters to disrupt them enough to build an early lead for Syracuse to hold onto. The zone is what will win them another game.

Syracuse 78 Villanova 71

Having Trouble Choosing Who To Cheer For?

The NFL Playoffs bring in all fans, and some tend to be newer, or just watching the playoffs to see who makes it to the unofficial Super Bowl Holiday. Well with four teams left it makes it easy to choose, well easier at least, with fewer options. While teams may have some players that you would not like, or coaches, or owners, you have to look at the players that deserve a win, the players that have been good players, good people, and this is their chance to get to the Super Bowl, or win the Super Bowl. Three of the teams have players that you will have a hard time not choosing to cheer for, and hope they will be able to get to the Super Bowl and win, and the coach of the final team has multiple reasons as to why you should be cheering for him, or at least considering.

LaDainian Tomlinson is the starting running back for the New York Jets, and arguably the best back of the last 10 years. In his absolute prime there was not a running back you wanted more, in either fantasy football world or in the NFL. He could run outside, in between the tackles, catch the ball out of the backfield, and even line up as a receiver. He could do it all. Now in his 10th season, getting up there for a running back, he is on the precipice of getting to his first Super Bowl, the end all and be all of your tenure in the league.

Talk about a player that has earned it, in his first eight seasons as a professional he had over 1,000 yards each year, gaining over 1,800 yards in 2006, when he had 28 rushing touchdowns, the NFL record for a single season. In those same seasons he had over 50 receptions each year, and had 100 receptions in 2003, failing to record a receiving touchdown in only his rookie year. This was the first season in his career in the Jets time share backfield that he did not record double digit touchdowns. Tomlinson is a first ballot Hall of Famer for what he has done on the field.

Off the field Tomlinson has been a beacon of hope, especially for families in his time with the San Diego Chargers, where he established the LT Foundation, meant to help children and families in the San Diego area. He has also taken part in such charities as Operation Kids, and Tomlinson's Touching Lives Foundation.

Tomlinson has been a great player for over a decade in the NFL, one of the best ever at his position, and has helped many people off the field. He is definitely a man you can cheer for in hoping the Jets make it to the Super Bowl.

Now when it comes to the Chicago Bears it has been all about Brian Urlacher for 11 years now. He has anchored a defense that almost always finds itself to be one of the top defenses in the NFL, and he is an old school linebacker. You need someone to direct your defense, he can do it. Need a hole filled, he can do it. Need a sack, he can do it. Even need some pass coverage, he can do it. He is consistently one of the best linebackers in the league, and someone you want to be in the middle of your defense.

In his 11 years with the Bears, the only team he has been a part of, he has totaled more than 1,100 tackles, 900 of which are solo tackles. This includes seasons that were cut short by injuries. He has had 41.5 sacks, and intercepted 18 passes, scoring once. He has done it all on the field of play.

Urlacher and the Bears were able to make it to the Super Bowl, led by him and the defense, back in February 2007 when the lost to the Indianapolis Colts. Urlacher is a Hall of Famer that has a career many would envy, but to get back to the Super Bowl and win it would put his name and legacy on another level. A guy who plays the game hard, well, and the right way; definitely somebody to get behind.

Donald Driver has been a member of the Green Bay Packers his whole career. He was picked out of Alcorn State back in 1999, in the seventh round. He already has the seventh round underdog characteristic that is easy to cheer for. He has been solid for 10 years now after getting very little time as a seventh round rookie. He has been on the Packers for 11 years now and has yet to reach the Super Bowl, which probably is not easy to live with being with such a great organization for so long.

Driver has been a model of consistency, as prior to this year he had recorded over 1,000 yards in six straight seasons, and seven out of eight. And in terms of consistency, he has a touchdown in every season he has played in, including his rookie year when he only had three receptions for 31 yards, but one of them was a touchdown. His route running skills are great, and he has incredible hands. He has been a great receiver on one of the more historical franchises in sports, he deserves a chance at the Super Bowl.

Finally, you come to the Pittsburgh Steelers. to be honest the Steelers have a strong nucleus that has been to two Super Bowls and have won them both. So they do not really have the lack of a trip or victory card that those previous three players had. They have guys that you would like to cheer for to get a third ring in Troy Polamalu and James Farrior, but it just is not the same. So with the Steelers you can actually stray away from the players and focus on cheering for their coach, Mike Tomlin.

Talk about a class act, no nonsense, confident and successful coach, that is exactly what Mike Tomlin is. He is a coach that you can watch on the sideline, as calm and in control as you will see, and he will be winning most of the time. In his four years as the Steelers coach he has gone 43-21 in the regular season, and won the Super Bowl in only his second season as the head coach, something that has only been done seven times in NFL history. In winning the Super Bowl at age 36 he became the youngest head coach to ever win the Super Bowl, so why not cheer for him to become the youngest coach to win two Super Bowls?

Also, Tomlin became only the second African-American coach to win the Super Bowl, after Tony Dungy had won it against Urlacher's Bears. In this the 25th anniversary year of the establishment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with the first black President in the history of the United States of America, why not watch and cheer for the first ever two-time African-American Super Bowl champion coach, cheer for some history.

Carmelo Trade Off The Table For Nets?

The imminent trade that had roughly 13 players involved from three teams has apparently been called off. The New Jersey Nets were dead set on getting Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets, but it appears that the price to pay, and the length of time it has taken is not worth it and they want to go in another direction.

The Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov told the team today to stop pursuing the trade, as well as canceled that rumored face-to-face meeting they were to have with Anthony in the coming days. Prokhorov spoke of the length, ramifications, and scrutiny that has come from the trade rumors.

"I'm not happy with the way ... this deal has gone until now," Prokhorov said. "It has taken too long. It has been played out in public and it certainly has taken a toll on the players and I believe that it has cost us several games. I think management did a great job, but there comes a time when the price is simply too expensive. I'm instructing our team to walk away from the deal."

Anthony has been struggling specifically, having one of his worst stretch of games of his career. Included was a game where he failed to score in double digits, a rarity in his successful young career. Though it must be said that during the holiday season Anthony also lost his sister, who he was extremely close with, and has not quite performed at his usual level since. The fans of Denver have shown their displeasure with everything, and it appears that maybe they will have him a little bit longer at least.

A few questions arise from this. The first is whether or not the Nets are really done with the deal. They may be done with the trade, or may try to pursue it again without the public knowing as much as they had this first time, which seemed like every step of the way their were reports. Second option is the New York Knicks getting more actively involved in pursuit of Anthony. Carmelo wants to play in New York, and going to play with Amare Stoudemire, and perhaps a free agent pickup, or another trade, for another player he may want to play with and the Knicks are a huge contender.

The other two options are does a new team get involved now? Do the Bulls, the Los Angeles Clippers, any other teams that have not been in the running as of late now make a pitch for Anthony again? Finally, do the Nuggets not make any move, and rather take their chances on this season with Anthony and make a run towards the playoffs and NBA Finals?

This whole situation has been weird and sort of too in your face the entire team it seems. Carmelo is on the Nuggets, and I think that trade talk should be private simply because now Anthony is getting treated differently from the fans and the public. More over he is dealing with the loss of a sibling, which is truly terrible timing. I hope that this is resolved quickly and Anthony can get back on track with his season.

Just last night, after the trade was reportedly squashed, the Nets got a much needed win, and Anthony led the team in scoring with 35 points with a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Maybe it is all working out already.